The 79-year-old actor was on dialysis for the last few days and was admitted to the intensive care unit of the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai where he breathed his last at 5 a.m. Sunday.

Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan expressed condolences on the actor's demise, saying that Shammi was an iconic figure and a rage for the people of his generation.

'Shammiji had a unique style of acting, dancing and dialogue delivery that endeared him to the youth. Even after his retirement from the film industry, Shammiji involved himself with various meaningful initiatives for the benefit of society,' he said.

'He will remain a hero for the people of my generation. I pay my respects to the fond memory of this versatile actor and fine human being,' Sankaranarayanan said.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, terming Shammi the prince of acting, said it was a big loss for the film fraternity. 'His exit from the world is in tune with his popular song 'Akele Akele Kahan Jaa Rahe ho...' is a shock to so many film lovers, including me,' he said.

Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde said: 'Flamboyance of the film Industry has eloped today. A sad day indeed.'

'He was a superstar of our era. His dance style was a rage in our times. He was a fatherly figure for the film industry. His is a big loss to the film fraternity,' said former Maharashtra chief minister and union minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.

'We have lost a sensitive actor who rocked the film industry with his unique style of acting and dancing,' said Maharashtra Public Works Department Minister Chhagan Bhujbal.

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